College Orientation Workshop Program

🎓 **Join Us LIVE for the COW 2026 Graduation Ceremony!** 🎉

The moment we've all been waiting for is here! Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments, growth, and bright futures of the **College Orientation Workshop (COW) Class of 2026**.

Whether you're an alumnus, family member, friend, supporter, or simply want to celebrate these outstanding young men, we'd love for you to be part of this special occasion.

📅 **Watch the Graduation Ceremony LIVE**
🎥https://youtube.com/live/e9HeZKF2inQ?feature=share

here or directly on our website: www.cow4life.org/events

Help us cheer on the Class of 2026 as they take the next step in their journey toward college, leadership, and lifelong success.

💙 Thank you for supporting our mission of empowering young men through education, leadership development, and life-changing opportunities.

College Orientation Workshop Graduation 2026 Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

🎉 COW Turns 40 🎉

For four decades, COW has shaped young men into leaders — through challenge, mentorship, adventure, and brotherhood.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, we are bringing together past and present participants, families, volunteers, donors, and staff to celebrate the legacy we’ve built together.

📍 Crockett Farm - 230 Thomas Rd, Lexington, VA 22450
🗓 July 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00–7:00 PM

Whether you were in the first cohort or just finished this summer, you are part of this story.

Save the date. Reconnect. Celebrate. Reflect.
https://www.cow4life.org/events/reunion-40

The next 40 years begin now!

Celebrating trailblazers like Dr. Mac Bowman.

From STEM to athletics, human rights, education, policy, and healthcare, Dr. Bowman leads with purpose and a deep commitment to lifting others as he climbs. As a proud parent of a COW participant, he models what it means to invest not only in his own family, but in the future of every young person who walks through our doors. His example challenges all of us to show up, give back, and actively support the next generation—through mentorship, partnership, and generosity—so that the path forward is even stronger for those who follow.

During Black History Month, VMI Athletics will proudly highlight various alumni who have shaped our history and continue to inspire change.

This week, we highlight Dr. Mac Bowman ‘73🏈

Dr. Bowman was in the 2nd class of African Americans admitted to VMI. The 1986 VMI Sports Hall of Fame inductee was a Dean’s List graduate and the first African American to receive an athletic scholarship to VMI.

He is a well-renown cardiologist in Georgia and still practices medicine. He is founder and director of The Dr. Mac Bowman Horizon Foundation for Health, Help, Hope, Healing, and Honor.

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As we celebrate Black History Month, we are reminded that we are standing on the shoulders of visionaries who paved the way with courage, sacrifice, and purpose. Their legacy is not something to celebrate one month out of the year - instead it’s something we’re called to continue through service, mentorship, and opportunity for the next generation.

Let’s pay it forward to the next generation by investing our time, talents, and support so we may reinforce and strengthen the path ahead.

Thank you to all those who came before us, and thank you to those continuing to build the legacy.

During Black History Month, VMI Athletics will proudly highlight various alumni who have shaped our history and continue to inspire change.

This week, we highlight Eugene 'Gene' Williams '74🏈

Williams was in the third class of African American cadets at VMI. He received an athletic scholarship to play football and was dubbed “Mean” Gene on the gridiron.

Williams became the first African American and youngest appointee to the VMI Board of Visitors (BOV). He remained on the BOV for 10 years. He is a past member of the Keydet Club Board of Governors and the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. He was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

This past fall, Williams received the VMI Foundation Distinguished Service Award for his dedication in service to the Institute.

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COW Digest Newsletter for 2025

COW Digest Newsletter - 2025 Summary of the 2025 COW Program at VMI

Honoring dedication, legacy, and a heart that never stopped giving back. What a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make through love and service. ❤️

Congratulations Eugene Williams!

We are incredibly proud of our founder, Eugene Williams ’74, for his decades of leadership, service, and vision. Today, he is being recognized with the VMI Foundation Distinguished Service Award in honor of his lifetime of service to the Institute.
For over 40 years, Gene’s commitment through the College Orientation Workshop (COW) has empowered and transformed the lives of male minority and at-risk high school students—an impact that continues to grow with each generation.
Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor and in thanking Gene for his unwavering dedication to education, mentorship, and service.

Congratulations, Mr. Williams! 👏🎉